Superpowers for Public Servants in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Part II

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Mauricio Covarrubias
November, 8, 2024

In the first part of this column, we discussed how AI grants public servants superpowers like expanded vision, infallible decision-making, omnipresent presence and empathetic communication, transforming government operations. In this second part, we’ll explore three additional AI-driven superpowers: superhuman efficiency, algorithmic justice and predictive governance, which have the potential to reshape public service and strengthen the relationship between the state and its citizens.

Superpower 5. Superhuman Efficiency

The superpower of “superhuman efficiency” lies in AI’s ability to automate repetitive tasks, such as document management and request classification, allowing public servants to focus on more strategic functions. By streamlining administrative processes, AI significantly reduces response times and minimizes human errors, which ultimately leads to improved service quality.

Studies have shown that the implementation of AI in public sector administrative areas can increase productivity, particularly in routine tasks that previously consumed much of a public servant’s time. However, to fully harness the potential of AI, it is crucial for public servants to adapt to this new context by developing the necessary digital skills. This will ensure that they can leverage AI capabilities to their fullest extent without losing control over critical processes. While AI may handle repetitive tasks, human oversight remains essential to ensure accuracy and maintain ethical standards.

Superpower 6. Algorithmic Justice

“Algorithmic justice” refers to the ability of public servants to ensure that AI-driven decisions are transparent, fair, and equitable. As Cathy O’Neil has pointed out, algorithms can perpetuate inequality if not properly designed and monitored. In public administration, this is particularly relevant in areas such as resource allocation, social policy design and criminal justice.

The theoretical framework of “algorithmic governance” suggests that public servants must be trained to audit and correct biases in algorithms to ensure that AI-assisted decisions are inclusive and just (see Eubanks, 2018). This requires implementing principles of “responsible algorithms,” which can enhance public trust in the use of AI technologies within government. Ensuring transparency and fairness in algorithmic decision-making not only strengthens democratic governance but also fosters a more just and equitable society.

Algorithmic justice also opens the door to using AI for positive social change, provided that it is used responsibly. Public servants will need to balance efficiency with fairness, continuously evaluating how AI systems affect different groups within society to prevent unintended consequences that exacerbate inequality.

Superpower 7. Predictive Governance

The final AI superpower, “predictive governance,” allows public servants to anticipate future problems through predictive analysis, a capability that revolutionizes strategic planning and governmental resilience. Predictive governance enables governments to foresee critical events such as natural disasters, economic crises or public health emergencies and to implement preventive measures that optimize their response.

This superpower relies on analyzing historical data and using predictive models, allowing governments to plan long-term strategies rather than reacting to crises as they unfold. In public administration, predictive governance is particularly useful when decisions hinge on the ability of leaders to foresee events that could impact societal well-being.

While predictive governance offers immense potential, it also raises ethical questions, particularly around data privacy and the responsible use of information. To avoid misuse, governments must ensure that data is handled with care, safeguarding citizen privacy while using insights to make informed, strategic decisions. Failing to do so could result in public backlash and erosion of trust, particularly if AI-based surveillance is perceived as invasive or authoritarian.

Studies have shown that AI-driven predictive systems are especially effective in public safety, where they help predict crime patterns and allocate resources more efficiently, improving crime prevention efforts. This same principle can be applied across various sectors of public service to enhance foresight and readiness.

Conclusion

The implementation of artificial intelligence in public administration holds transformative potential that extends far beyond automation. The “superpowers” that AI grants to public servants not only enhance efficiency but also enable them to reinvent their roles as key actors in promoting societal well-being. Expanded vision, infallible decision-making, omnipresent presence, empathetic communication, superhuman efficiency, algorithmic justice and predictive governance form a powerful set of capabilities that can redefine public management, improving the relationship between the state and its citizens.

However, the integration of AI in public administration must be accompanied by deep ethical reflection. Transparency, accountability and fairness in the design and application of AI systems are essential to ensure that the benefits of this technology are distributed equitably and do not perpetuate existing inequalities. The adoption of AI must be balanced with responsible risk management, including the protection of human rights and the promotion of equitable access to the benefits of AI.

The future of public administration, powered by AI, will be one where public servants transcend their human limitations, take on a more proactive role and become true agents of change. Yet this future depends on governments’ ability to manage these superpowers ethically and responsibly, always in service of the greater good.

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Author: Mauricio Covarrubias is Professor at the National Institute of Public Administration in Mexico.  He is co-founder of the International Academy of Political-Administrative Sciences (IAPAS).  He is the founder and Editor of the International Journal of Studies on Educational Systems (RIESED). Member of the National System of Researchers of CONACYT.  He received his Ph.D. from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.  He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @OMCovarrubias

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